United Arab Emirates travel money tips
Heading to United Arab Emirates? Here's a quick rundown of how to handle money on the ground — tipping etiquette, when to use cards versus cash, the best ATMs to use, and the most common pitfalls travelers run into. The local currency is the UAE Dirham (AED, د.إ).
Tipping
10–15% in restaurants if no service charge, 5–10 AED for taxi drivers, 10–20 AED per bag for porters.
Cards vs cash
Cards everywhere in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, including the metro. Carry some cash for old souks and small cafés.
Payment methods accepted
ATMs & cash tip
Emirates NBD, ADCB, and FAB ATMs are everywhere and accept all major foreign cards.
Heads-up
- Public displays of affection, drunkenness, and offensive gestures can lead to fines or arrest.
- Always use metered taxis (Hala, Careem) or RTA — never accept a 'flat fare' offer at the airport.
About the UAE Dirham (AED)
The UAE Dirham (AED, symbol د.إ) is the official currency of United Arab Emirates. Knowing the live AED rate against your home currency helps you sanity-check menu prices, taxi fares, and souvenir markups while traveling.
More travel tips
See all country tips →Tips are general guidance for travelers, not legal or financial advice. Customs vary — confirm with local sources for important plans.